An essential community partner to Cambrian, Gezhtoojig Employment and Training has been a leading resource centre for Anishnabek people for nearly 25 years. It serves seven First Nation communities in northeastern Ontario, and its mission is to develop partnerships that promote the employability and economic success of Anishnawbek people.

“Together, Cambrian and Gezhtoojig have shared in many successes,” said Cambrian College President Bill Best. “Over the past 16 years, Gezhtoojig has supported or sponsored more than 220 of our First Nation students, who then entered or re-entered the workforce with industry-relevant skills and abilities,” Best continued.

“Cambrian and Gezhtoojig also collaborate to offer job placement and apprenticeship opportunities; we work together to develop new training programs that meet industry demands; and Gezhtoojig helps Cambrian to serve First Nations students and communities as effectively as possible. It’s clear that they understand the value of postsecondary education and its role in developing our local, regional, and national economy. This strong relationship works at every level of our two organizations, and that’s why we’re proud to recognize Gezhtoojig with the Dr. Fred Sheridan Award,” Best explained.

Introduced in 1992, the Dr. Fred Sheridan award pays tribute to the community and recognizes extraordinary service to education. The award is named after one of the College’s founders, Dr. Fred Sheridan. It is presented on behalf of the College’s Board of Governors and is Cambrian’s most prestigious award.